I have found that, at best, “do not
touch” signs are only a gentle reminder. Some people will touch
regardless – they can’t help themselves. The same people, I’m
sure, that touch the paint to see if the “Wet Paint” sign is really
telling the truth. If velvet ropes aren’t an option for you (or
something similar), a psychological boundary may help. Just position the
objects so it is a little awkward for a guest to reach them. Many people
will avoid touching if it is very obvious that they are doing so.
Greg
Pottsgrove Manor Historic Site
From:
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008
10:17 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] "do not
touch" labels
I just opened a new exhibit in which there are several
pieces of furniture on display as well as glass, ceramics, artwork, etc. All of
the small, fragile items are under vitrines but the furniture pieces are simply
on risers. When reviewing the exhibit with our docents, they expressed concern
that I did not have “do not touch” signs on the furniture.
I’ve used these signs in the past but I am wondering about their
effectiveness. I’ve observed both at my museum and at others, that some
people will touch regardless of signage. I’ve also noticed that
most larger museums I’ve visited do not have these signs at all.
Our museum experience is guided tour only and the docents are trained to
remind visitors not to touch items on exhibit. The new exhibition can be
self-guided but the vast majority of the time there will be a docent in the
room with the visitor.
I’d like to hear about other’s experience
with “do not touch” signs and whether they work or just clutter up
an exhibit and have little effectiveness.
Heidi Campbell-Shoaf, Curator
Historical Society of
www.hsfcinfo.org